The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja, a landmark project driven by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in collaboration with King’s College Hospital, London, has entered a critical phase of completion. Designed as a world-class tertiary medical institution, the AMCE is set to redefine the future of healthcare in Africa by providing cutting-edge medical services, fostering research, and cultivating homegrown healthcare professionals.
Speaking during a site tour on Tuesday, Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of both Afreximbank and the AMCE, expressed confidence in the project’s transformative impact. He stated that once operational, the facility will serve the healthcare needs of over 350,000 patients across Africa within its first five years.
Oramah emphasized that AMCE is not just another infrastructure project—it is a strategic investment in Africa’s future. “This health facility will create over 3,000 jobs, stimulate intra-African trade in medical services, and strengthen critical supply chains in pharmaceuticals and healthcare delivery,” he said. He added that it will help Nigeria curb the staggering $1.1 billion lost annually to outbound medical tourism, redirecting those resources to enhance the domestic healthcare system.
“The African Medical Centre of Excellence represents a defining moment in Africa’s pursuit of healthcare self-sufficiency,” Oramah said. “For far too long, our continent has suffered from a lack of adequate care for non-communicable diseases, capital flight from medical tourism, and the migration of skilled professionals. AMCE is here to change that.”
The AMCE is envisioned as a symbol of progress and resilience, showcasing Africa’s ability to develop and sustain world-class institutions. With strategic partnerships involving governments, international agencies, and private sector stakeholders, AMCE is a demonstration of continental ambition backed by action.
From early diagnosis and advanced treatments to long-term disease management, AMCE will offer a comprehensive continuum of care, setting new standards for patient outcomes and healthcare delivery in Africa.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, praised the project as “a shining example of what strategic investment and collaboration can achieve,” adding that it would help position Nigeria as a regional hub for cutting-edge medical services, innovation, and employment.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, echoed similar sentiments, describing the initiative as a “transformative leap for healthcare not only in Nigeria but across the continent.” He said the swift progress witnessed during the tour reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building world-class healthcare infrastructure accessible to all Nigerians.
In his remarks, Brian Deaver, Chief Executive Officer of AMCE, highlighted the institution’s far-reaching impact. “The African Medical Centre of Excellence is more than a hospital – it is a bold vision to reshape specialized healthcare across Africa. By integrating state-of-the-art technology, pioneering research, and top-tier training, AMCE will set a new benchmark for healthcare excellence.”
As of February 2025, all civil and structural works at the facility have been completed. The construction has adhered to rigorous quality control and assurance standards, ensuring durability and top-tier performance. External roadworks and critical infrastructure services are also progressing steadily, signaling that the project is on the home stretch.
Upon completion, the AMCE campus will emerge as a comprehensive centre of excellence for healthcare, education, and research. Future development phases will include:
- A second 350-bed hospital
- A state-of-the-art medical and nursing school
- A foundation dedicated to medical sciences
- A research centre and medical office suite
- Residential quarters for healthcare professionals
- A medical lodge to accommodate patients and their families
Once operational, the AMCE is poised to dramatically reduce Africa’s dependence on foreign medical systems, reverse the brain drain of skilled professionals, and ensure that high-quality healthcare is accessible, affordable, and available to all Africans.
Leave a Reply